Humans and Robots

Perhaps this is the most important question about humans and robots. Can humans and robots coexist on this world? There are already robots in our homes and there are certainly robots in our workplaces. So, there is some relationship already. Some people are already very attached to their bots.People dress up Roombas as pets and give them names. Other folks become so attached to their robotic companions they have funerals when they cease to function. And, according to the article that inspired this post, people are very reluctant to even cause harm to a robot.

Personal Experience with Robots

There is something in human nature that makes us attach human attributes to those machines around us. Seems very weird, but I have seen this occur in my life. I have several robots in my office that I use for educational workshops and presentations. Maybe its hard to admit, but I would be very sad to see one of them break. I don’t think I would hold a funeral for my Tetrix robot, but I would miss having it with me for presentations.

My little humanoid robot will be the hardest to see go to the great robot beyond. Possibly that is because it talks and seems to relate to humans around it. Yes, I know its a machine that is programmed to act that way, but still it has become one of my favorite bots.

Robots in the Home and at Work

It seems likely as robots are put into homes, they will become companions to their owners. Relationships will develop. It is not as clear to me that robots in the workplace will be perceived in the same way. On the other hand, military robots have become very popular with the soldiers they work with in the field. Robots are given names and sometimes the robot have the names painted on them. The robots that seek out explosives and mines are seen by the personnel as members of their units. They are missed or even mourned if they become damaged or destroyed. This has been documented in situations in the recent Middle East wars.

By Tokumeigakarinoaoshima (Own work) [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons

So, what can we make of this. Will robots become companions or even friends as they become more commonplace in homes and work? Does it make a difference if the robot is humanoid? These are difficult questions to answer and research will need to be done to see how this could effect robot use.

What do you think about this? Let me know by leaving a comment.

The robots have arrived but will we ever live in harmony with them or will we remain suspicious of their intentions?

A humanoid space robot

Nao robots are finding uses in many areas. These little guys have been the first to show signs of self-awareness and are one of the most popular robots for education and research. Now a Nao robot could be the first humanoid robot to take up permanent residence on the International Space Station (ISS).

Now, I know some of you might be saying wait a minute here. Isn’t there already a humanoid robot on the ISS? After all, Robonaut 2 has already made a home on the ISS and has proved to be a valuable member of the crew. I asked this question myself. I wonder if Robonaut is not considered humanoid since it does not have the lower part of its body attached. Or maybe Robonaut is not a permanent part of the crew. At any rate, in the article I read about this, Nao is being touted as the first permanent humanoid resident.

A research team at the French Institute of Health and Medical Research just put mankind a bit closer to complete robot rule this past month, outfitting the humanoid robot Nao with an “autobiographical memory.” To make this accomplishment even more astounding, the team intends to push for its new robotic system to become a permanent member of the International Space Station.

Not the first robots on the ISS

Nao may be considered the first humanoid robot on the ISS, but it will not be the first robot. There have been many robots on the station over the years. The station has several robot arms to assist with tasks such as capturing resupply vehicles and moving station modules into place. Perhaps the most famous is the Canadarm2 or the Mobile Servicing System (MSS). This robotic arm was launched to the ISS in 2001. It has been very important in assembly of the ISS. Also, its aids astronauts when they are conducting spacewalks.

Another robot on the station is the Robonaut 2. This humanoid robot, also known as R2, went to the ISS on the shuttle Discovery in the STS-133 mission. R2 is a test platform to generate data on how a robot may work with astronauts in the future. This bot has the ability to work autonomously as well as to be tele-operated by the astronauts or from the ground.

Three satellites fly in formation as part of the Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites (SPHERES) investigation. This image was taken during Expedition 14 in the Destiny laboratory module. NASA/International Space Station Expedition 14 Public domain.

If you count the robotic arms on the ISS, there are quite a few robots onboard the station already. Besides the previously mentioned Robonaut, there are the SPHERES.

The station astronauts have upgraded these existing space robots to use Google’s “Project Tango” smartphone, which features a custom 3-D sensor and multiple cameras. Smart SPHERES are being used to test free-flying 3-D mapping and navigation inside the space station. NASA developed the Smart SPHERES to perform work on the space station that requires the mobile sensing the bots have onboard. It is hoped they will carry out environmental monitoring of levels of radiation, lighting, and air quality. Smart SPHERES is funded by the Space Technology Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters.

Image Credit: NASA/Ames

What is the future for robots on the ISS and beyond?

Robots will continue to play a role on the ISS as new and more capable machines are developed. When missions beyond low Earth orbit are conducted in the future robots will almost certainly be along side of the astronauts. Its hard to imagine that they would not. Space robotics will be able to enhance the ability of humans to conduct safe and successful missions.

What is your opinion on the place of robots in human spaceflight? Let me know with your comments.

Have you ever wanted to mow the lawn while sitting on your front porch sipping iced tea? If this is something that sounds too good to be true, this may be one of those times that it is true! Robotic lawn mowers may have finally come into their own.

What exactly is a lawn-mowing robot?

A robotic lawn mower is an autonomous robot used to cut lawn grass. A typical robotic lawn mower requires the user to set up a border wire around the lawn that defines the area to be mowed.

Robot mowers tend to either be able to mow very fast and cover large areas of lawn or to be slower and more precise. Most of the mower bots have been used in commercial applications such as golf courses.

Mowing the lawn is one of those tasks that is destined to be a big robotics market when the technology finally advances to the point to make the robot mowers cost-effective and easy to set-up and use. As far as dreaded jobs around the house, it ranks right up there with dishwashing and laundry.

A brief history of robotic lawn mowers

It might be hard to imagine, but the first or at least one of the first robotic mowers was introduced in 1969.

Most of the barriers to the wide use of robotic lawnmowers by the average homeowner has been the expense of the units and the fact that a boundary wire had to be set up to keep the mower from straying into the neighbors bed of prized roses. By the end of 2005, robotic lawn mowers were the second largest category of domestic robots. By 2012, the sales of robotic lawn mowers far outpaced that of the traditional mowers.

Several features have changed over the years in the mowing robots. For one, many of the robots are self-docking. They can park themselves when finished with the job. Another feature of some robotic mowers is the addition of rain sensors. What these added technologies mean is that the robots do nearly all the lawn mowing work.

Smartphone use has increased to the point that some robotic mowers now incorporate their use. Many have integrated features within custom apps. The apps can be used to adjust settings or schedule mowing times and frequency. It is possible to manually control the mower with a digital joystick from the device.

The new iRobot mowers use a system of stakes that broadcast a radio signal to mark the boundaries for the bot.

Controversy

The recent approval of iRobot’s application for its new robot mower is not without controversy. Although the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has stated that the devices will not interfere with a critical area of radio frequencies used by radio telescopes, many radio astronomers are not convinced of the arguments. They remain opposed to the use of these radio transmitters in the boundary of the mowers.

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has recently given its approval to the company for the release of a robotic lawn mower (RLM), according to a report from Reuters. FCC ensured that the signal beacon from iRobot’s device does not interfere with radio signals.

Are robotic lawn mowers finally at the breakthrough moment? Would you buy one? Tell me what you think.

This past weekend witnessed an event held in Australia that showcased the robotics future. Known as the 2015 Robotronica Festival, the celebration presented cutting-edge robotics in a series of workshops, demonstrations, games, and discussions. The publicity for the event included the following statement in a news article.

Take part in a journey from the beginning of imaginary robotic life right up to them evolving almost as clever as humans.

Robotronica was held at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and basically was a festival of all things robotic. Not just the current state of robotics, but the robotics future was explored and presented at the Brisbane, Australia event. Its primary aim is to educate people about robotics and its future. In 2013, the first occurrence of the festival attracted over 10,000 people.

Part of the attraction this year was the chance to meet the one of the world’s first cyborg artists. He has an implanted antenna in his head that extends over his head to dangle in front of his forehead. Although he is colorblind, his implant allows him to hear colors.

Personally, I see this festival as more than just a robotics future convention. It was certainly billed as more. And considering its popularity, it shows how popular robotics is with the public. People are curious about robots and how to relate to the coming world of robotics. Do people need to fear robots or embrace them? What is your opinion about this idea? Let me know…

With all the concern over autonomous robots in the military, one would think that they are more of a future concern than reality. However, the U.S. Navy has operated robot ships for many years and continues to develop advanced capabilities for those autonomous ships.

I saw this article on the progress of new robot ships in America’s Navy and did some research on some of these craft. Although photos exist for some of the more recent developments, the ones shown here from several years ago are still relevant for the showing the capabilities of these bot ships.

Bluefin-12 AUV with a Buried Object Scanning Sonar (BOSS) integrated in two wings. This picture was taken in January 2005 of the coast of Florida during engineering trials.By Mierlo at English Wikipedia [Copyrighted free use], via Wikimedia Commons

In order to counter the threat of diesel-electric submarines, the U.S Navy wants to develop these autonomous sub-hunters. Diesel-electric subs are very cost effective compared to a nuclear attack boat and they can operate very quietly. So, these subs are difficult to detect and even though they have limited range, pose a significant threat.

The primary motivation for developing these robot ships is cost. They can operate in shallow waters and survey large areas to identify threats. The robot ships will not attack, but will call in other navy assets to deal with the targets.

Work on the U.S. Navy’s new anti-submarine drone is progressing and that’s bad news for diesel-electric subs.

The prototype of the ACTUV is named Sea Hunter and is due to begin sea trials in the fall of this year. Then the decision will be made on deployment of these vessels.

The prototype of the U.S. Navy’s robot ship is the Anti-Submarine Warfare Continuous Trail Unmanned Vessel (ACTUV) Image Credit: darpa.mil

What do you think about these robot ships? The military seems to be set on developing autonomous vehicles of all kinds. Although these ships will not be armed, but they will have to be able to correctly identify threats from other surface ships and other objects on and under the water. These robot ships will have to operate for months autonomously and probably at great distances from other support vessels if the details of these designs are correct.

Perhaps the robot ships will have human monitors to oversee their operations and take the helm if needed. It is hard to believe the robotic craft would be purely autonomous at all times.

Why is it that swarms of small creatures such as ants can accomplish big tasks? How are they able to kill a large insect or even a small animal and then bring it into their nest? It turns out the answer to this question is one that can be applied to the world of robotics. Scientists and engineers are programming robots with this swarming ability in order to study how a very simple machine in large numbers can accomplish a complex job. Two examples of bots used in swarm robotics are Kilobots and bionic ants.

Researchers at Harvard University built a Kilobot for swarm robotics research for $14 a robot. Usually to have a robot this size for study is very expensive per robot, but they managed to do it for very low cost per unit. In their paper on the Kilibot, they explain where and how they were able to cut cost and yet, still be able to have an effective robot for research. The robot uses vibration for movement, and is powered by a coin cell battery. Check out the site for some interesting video demonstrations of their 25 Kilobots.

“…we present Kilobot, a low-cost robot designed to make testing collective algorithms on hundreds or thousands of robots accessible to robotics researchers.”

Another group that has experimented with swarm robotics is Festo. They invented bionic ants and have created a Bionic Learning Network. By using the models that nature provides, Festo is developing the technology to aid in the automation of factories.

Festo has created a fleet of bionic ants capable of working together, as well as function on their own, in order to complete tasks, just as their real-life counterparts do, according to Business Insider.

One major theme of swarm robotics development continues to be the idea of using nature as the model for new and innovative types of swarm robots. Most of the ideas come from biomimicry or biomimetics. Biomimetics is the science or practice of using living creatures as inspiration for mechanical design. The end result is that there seems to be no end to the types of bots that can be built using nature as a blueprint.

Robots continue to take inspiration from different creatures in the way they look and operate, including insects thanks to an automation company in Germany.

What is your opinion about swarm robotics? What other applications besides those presented here could they be used in? Please write your comments to this post and let me know what you think.

Can a team of soccer playing robots beat the best human soccer players in the world? And can they accomplish that feat by the year 2050? Each year a soccer tournament for robots is held to determine the best robot team in the world. Eventually, the plan is for the best humanoid robot soccer team to play the best human soccer team.

The annual RoboCup competition features humanoid robots trying, and sometimes failing, to play the beautiful game in a series of soccer tournaments.

Last month, a team of US robots defeated their robotic counterparts from Iran in the finals of the RoboCup. Currently, the robots play soccer under a heavily modified set of rules to accommodate the state of robotic technology. Rule changes are incorporated into the competition to push the technology and make the league play more like the real world of human football. There is a roadmap that outlines how the robot teams finally get to 2050.

Two humanoid robots search for the ball in the Robocup

The most interesting of these RoboCup competitions occur in the Humanoid League. The robots in this league are required to have a body that is like a human in that it has a head, two arms, and two legs. And, the bots can only use sensors that allow them to move and perceive the world around them like a human counterpart would. That means they have to do things like see the soccer ball, figure out its trajectory, and sense the environment around them without the assistance of some of the advanced sensor technology commonly found in today’s robots.

RoboCup is an international robotics competition originally conceived in the mid-1990’s and officially started in 1997. The overall goal is to promote robotic technology and artificial intelligence research. This is done through a sports framework in order to appeal to the public. The name RoboCup is a contraction of the competition’s full name, “Robot Soccer World Cup.” There are several other divisions in the competition that include contests in rescues and other areas. In 2014 the world’s competition was held in Brazil. RoboCup 2015 was held in Hefei, China.

Given the ambitious goals of the RoboCup, do you think there is a chance that they succeed in producing a team of humanoid robots that can beat the best human soccer players? Let me know what you think.

Living on the Moon will be difficult for humans. Several problems exist for survival on the lunar surface. Basically, no atmosphere is present on the Moon. Temperature extremes are difficult to work in for both humans and machines. There is a two week daytime and a two week nighttime. And finally, the water that is on the Moon is in the form of ice and it is only in a few craters at the poles. Robots could help solve some of these problems.

Illustration of a Moon Base – NASA Illustration

NASA currently has a new project that they have funded to send robots to the moon. The idea is to provide sunlight to the Shackleton Crater.

NASA wants to turn the moon into a lunar science lab: Fleet of robots could terraform Shackleton Crater

Currently, the plan is to have the robots use reflectors to redirect sunlight into the bottom of the crater, which is located at the lunar South Pole. What would result from this is a warm environment for other robots to work in at the depths of the crater.

What makes Shackleton Crater such an attractive location for this large terraforming project is its massive size (roughly 130 square miles), as well as the fact it’s entirely flanked by peaks measuring some 14,000 feet in height.

The first robots to arrive for this project would be “transformer type” machines that would unfold into a giant reflective mirror to redirect sunlight into the crater. Following those robots would be scientific and exploration bots whose job it would be to sample and process materials from the depths of the crater.

According to Adrian Stoica of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, “The TransFormer (TF) concept is a paradigm shift to operating in Extreme Environments (EE). TFs are systems that direct energy into energy-depleted (extreme) environments, transforming them, locally, around robots or humans, into mild micro-environments.”

Shackleton crater is thought to hold a valuable resource of water ice. Tapping into this frozen treasure will provide both liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen in addition to liquid water. All of these products are essential for further exploration in the solar system. In the future, what happens is, this lunar crater becomes an interplanetary gas station for the exploration of the solar system.

Shackelton Crater Photo Credit: NASA LRO

So what are your thoughts regarding this project? Although this project is only in the very early prototype stages, it is nonetheless an intriguing idea. Robots have always been the pioneers in space exploration blazing the trail for human explorers to follow. And that will certainly be the case here. I look forward to a conversation about this proposal.

In what could be a historic moment, a robot just might have shown the beginnings of self-awareness. An interesting side note to this story is the fact that not more than a week ago I told a group of students that scientists and engineers were at least decades from creating robots that could be considered to be conscious or self-aware. Obviously, I was mistaken.

In this article from Discovery News, the experiment is described in which three humanoid robots are tested with a logic puzzle. In this procedure, one of the robots showed it was able to respond in a way that can only be explained if the robot has some degree of self awareness.

A robot has demonstrated that it exhibits a degree of self-awareness for the very first time.

One thing I find interesting about this is the fact that the robots involved in this experiment are NAOs. These are small humanoid robots that are readily available for under $10,000. They are not some high-end supercomputer powered android. They are fairly simple machines. (Do we need to rethink even calling them machines?)

So what can we say about this achievement. Should we be excited? Should we be concerned? Or maybe this is not as big a deal as it is being made out to be. I for one have not really decided what I think about this. On the one hand, there is the whole philosophical issue of machine self-awareness, and on the other hand, we as humans may really have to rethink this concept of self-awareness. Do we event understand what it means when we say humans are self-aware.

What do you think about this? I would really appreciate your feedback on this issue, since I myself am trying to think my way through it. Leave a comment and let me know.

There seems to be no end to the types of robots inspired by nature. This story about robotic swans had its start in an article that appeared in Tech Times several days ago. As I thought about how to write about these “swanbots”, I did some research about robotic swans and found that this application is not the first use of swans as a model for robot development.

In fact, the first “robotic” swan was probably this Silver Swan pictured here to the left. The machine was conceived and constructed by John Joseph Merlin in partnership with the London inventor James Cox in 1773. It is more accurately an automaton, in that it worked by means of a clockwork mechanism. An automaton is a self-operating machine… designed to follow automatically a predetermined sequence of operations…

And then we have our second robotic Swan, the dancing Swan, also known as the Dying Swan. This Swan robot was built to dance to Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake.” As those who have seen it dance describe it,

‘The Dying Swan’ is sometimes moving smoothly and gently, sometimes in a dramatic and fiery manner, as Tchaikovsky’s majestic music from the ballet Swan Lake is playing; yet this is no ordinary ballet dancer, but a robot in the form of a swan.”

Finally, there is are there is the third type of robot Swan that was in the original article that inspired this post. This is the robot Swan that gathers information about the environment of the water where it swims. Scientists will start testing robot swans in the Singapore River that will test and monitor the waters for things like pH level and oxygen to control pollution.

Nature has once again provided a model for robotics. In this case three wildly different types of robots based on the model of a Swan. If this is a topic that you find interesting please leave a comment and let me know what you think.